The number of Los Angeles County deaths linked to a kratom compound known as 7-OH has risen to six, officials confirmed last Friday .

According to Los Angeles County Public Health, "7-OH, the psychoactive component of kratom leaves, is being synthetically concentrated into various products."

Public Health noted that alcohol was present in addition to 7-OH in many of the overdose cases, as well as other medications or illicit substances. When mixed with alcohol, Public Health warns, it can cause severe respiratory depression and death.

The six deaths are a rise from the previous three reported last month. All descendants were otherwise healthy, Public Health said.

"The safest thing to do is avoid using 7-OH and kratom-related products altogether," said Dr. Gary Tsai, Director of t

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